Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Bearded Collie Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Bearded Collie versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Bearded Collie versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu
- Size Comparison of Bearded Collie versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Bearded Collie versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Bearded Collie Versus the Shih Tzu
- Price of Bearded Collie versus Price of Shih Tzu
- The Intelligence of the Bearded Collie versus the Intelligence of the Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Bearded Collie versus Shih Tzu
- Do Bearded Collies shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Bearded Collie or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Bearded Collie or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Bearded Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Bearded Collies Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Bearded Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Bearded Collie vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Bearded Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bearded Collie or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Bearded Collies good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Bearded Collies and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Bearded Collie Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Conclusion: Bearded Collie versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Bearded Collie Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu better suits you.We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Bearded Collie and for the Shih Tzu. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Bearded Collie or the Shih Tzu.
Bearded Collie versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bearded Collie is a medium-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Bearded Collie belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
On the other hand, the Shih Tzu belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
Bearded Collie versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Bearded Collie to the Shih Tzu based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu
| Factor | Bearded Collie | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 20 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 55 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $980 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $500 – $975 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Temperament Score | 56.9 percent | 77.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data | |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 34 | 70 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bearded Collie in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Shih Tzu. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Bearded Collie is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shih Tzu is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shih Tzu is a better pet than the Bearded Collie. So, you should get the Shih Tzu!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu are most different:
- Bearded Collies have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Shih Tzus do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
The Similarities Between the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu
The Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
- Both the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu do not have the tendency to drool.
- Both the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu do not like to be left alone.
- Both the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
- Both the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu are good for new dog owners.
- Both the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
- Both the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu can tolerate cold weather.
- Both the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
- Both the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu are very friendly towards strangers.
- Both the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
- Both the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
- Both the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu are highly intelligent.
- Both the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
- Both the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu get along well with other dogs.
- Both the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu are very playful.
Size Comparison of Bearded Collie versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu.
Bearded Collies weigh 45 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Bearded Collies are 20 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Shih Tzus weigh 9 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shih Tzus are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Bearded Collie versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Bearded Collies is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Bearded Collies is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.
Temperament of the Bearded Collie Versus the Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu has a better temperament than the Bearded Collie.
This is because the temperament score for the Shih Tzu is 77.6 percent while the temperament score for the Bearded Collie is 56.9 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 56.9 percent, the Bearded Collie has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 77.6 percent, the Shih Tzu has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 51 Bearded Collies and 49 Shih Tzus.
Price of Bearded Collie versus Price of Shih Tzu
The average price of the Bearded Collie puppy is $980. The price of the Bearded Collie typically ranges from $500 – $975. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 16 Bearded Collie puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Shih Tzu puppy is $1820. The price of the Shih Tzu typically ranges from $1200 – $2300. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 806 Shih Tzu puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Shih Tzu is more expensive than the Bearded Collie.
The charts below show the price distribution for the Bearded Collie and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Bearded Collie puppies or how many Shih Tzu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Bearded Collies. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Shih Tzus
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Bearded Collie puppy or the Shih Tzu puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
The Intelligence of the Bearded Collie versus the Intelligence of the Shih Tzu
`| Bearded Collie | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 34 out of 130 dog breeds | 70 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 80 To 100 Repetitions Or More! |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:- Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
- Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
- Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.Prof. Coren found that the Bearded Collie has an obedience intelligence rank of 34 out of 130 dog breeds. The Bearded Collie belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Bearded Collies tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.
The Shih Tzu has an obedience intelligence rank of 70 out of 130 dog breeds. The Shih Tzu belongs to the `Lowest Degree of Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Shih Tzus tend to learn new commands after 80 to 100 repetitions or more!.
The Bearded Collie is more intelligent than the Shih Tzu.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
Tolerates Being Alone: Bearded Collie versus Shih Tzu
Bearded Collies do not like to be left alone.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Bearded Collies shed more than Shih Tzus?
Bearded Collies shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Bearded Collie or the Shih Tzu
Bearded Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Bearded Collie or the Shih Tzu?
Bearded Collies require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Bearded Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
Bearded Collies have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Shih Tzus have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Do Bearded Collies Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
Bearded Collies bark and howl, but not very much.
Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Bearded Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Bearded Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Bearded Collie vs. Shih Tzu
Bearded Collies have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Shih Tzus do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Bearded Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Bearded Collies can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bearded Collie or the Shih Tzu?
Bearded Collies get along very well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Bearded Collies good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Bearded Collies are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shih Tzus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Bearded Collies and Shih Tzus?
Bearded Collies get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Bearded Collie Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Bearded Collies are very easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Bearded Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Bearded Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bearded Collie or the Shih Tzu?
Bearded Collies are very good for new dog owners.
Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Bearded Collie versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Bearded Collie and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.